Vincent Foley made a crucial mistake that led to his downfall - he was caught on CCTV putting on his balaclava before attempting to rob a Greggs bakery. The 43-year-old from Manchester looked directly at the camera lens before pulling the mask over his head, giving police a clear view of his face.
Foley stormed the Greggs on Wilmslow Road in Handforth on July 4 with a hammer in hand. He entered the office area while a staff member was present, who immediately ran to alert colleagues before they all fled to safety.
Failed robbery attempt
The would-be robber then attempted to open the shop's safe but failed completely. Video footage shows Foley struggling to use keys to access the safe before eventually giving up and leaving empty-handed.
The same day proved busy for Foley as he broke into a house on Meriton Road in Handforth. He stole watches, bracelets, a deactivated antique shotgun and a cheque book from the property.
Fraudulent cheque scheme
Three days later on July 7, Foley attempted to write himself cheques for £2,000 and £4,000 using the stolen cheque book. The bank refused the fraudulent cheques and immediately alerted the victim to the attempted fraud.
His crime spree came to an end on July 14 when Greater Manchester Police spotted him driving erratically in Rochdale. Officers found the stolen cheque book in his car during the arrest.
Police praise CCTV effectiveness
Detective Constable Ash said: "Foley was caught on camera putting his on balaclava so we got a good look at his face and were able to do an appeal to the public to identify him. This definitely highlights the benefits of having CCTV. It makes life much harder for criminals knowing, or in Foley's case, not realising, there is CCTV around."
At Chester Crown Court on August 13, Foley pleaded guilty to burglary and theft, attempted robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He pleaded not guilty to section 18 wounding with intent and fraud by false representation, with these charges lying on file.
Foley has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 11.
Sources used: "Liverpool Echo", "Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
